title: Qualities of exemplary nurse leaders: perspectives of frontline nurses.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This paper reports on a study that looked at the characteristics of exemplary nurse leaders in times of change from the perspective of frontline nurses.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Large-scale changes in the health care system and their associated challenges have highlighted the need for strong leadership at the front line.
  
  
  METHODS
  In-depth personal interviews with open-ended questions were the primary means of data collection. The study identified and explored six frontline nurses' perceptions of the qualities of nursing leaders through qualitative content analysis. This study was validated by results from the current literature.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The frontline nurses described several common characteristics of exemplary nurse leaders, including: a passion for nursing; a sense of optimism; the ability to form personal connections with their staff; excellent role modelling and mentorship; and the ability to manage crisis while guided by a set of moral principles. All of these characteristics pervade the current literature regarding frontline nurses' perspectives on nurse leaders.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study identified characteristics of nurse leaders that allowed them to effectively assist and support frontline nurses in the clinical setting.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings are of significance to leaders in the health care system and in the nursing profession who are in a position to foster development of leaders to mentor and encourage frontline nurses.
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada.
authors.forename: June
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Anonson
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
authors.forename: Mary Ellen
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Walker
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada.
authors.forename: Ebin
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Arries
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada.
authors.forename: Sithokozile
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Maposa
authors.affiliation: Deloitte and Touche, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
authors.forename: Patti
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Telford
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada.
authors.forename: Lois
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Berry
keywords: characteristics; frontline nurses; nursing leadership; organisational development; qualitative descriptive; staff nurses